The Porsche 911 Speedster to go into production

The concept study, presented during the 70th birthday of the sports car manufacturer, will be produced as a limited special edition: Porsche has decided to start producing the purist Porsche 911 Speedster in the first half of 2019.

The Porsche 911 Speedster to go into production

The concept study, presented during the 70th birthday of the sports car manufacturer, will be produced as a limited special edition: Porsche has decided to start producing the purist Porsche 911 Speedster in the first half of 2019.

Exactly 1,948 units of the open-top two-seater will be built. The number reminisces the Porsche 356 "Number 1" that received its operating license on June, 8 back in 1948. In Paris, Porsche presented this year's second Speedster Concept study. Its Guards Red paintwork is a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster of the G-Model generation. The new cross-spoke 21-inch wheels in cross spoke and the black leather interior create a tasteful and sporty appearance.

Dream becomes reality: The driveable 911 Speedster Concept, initially presented on June 8 in 2018 in Zuffenhausen as a "Heritage" version, will go into production in 2019. The car was developed at Porsche Motorsport in Weissach in cooperation with Style Porsche and Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.

The future 911 Speedster, based on the 991 range, will be the first car to be offered with the new Heritage Design Packages. This exclusive accessory line by Porsche Exclusive allows for an even higher degree of personalisation for the 911.

In addition to the eye-catching paintwork, 21-inch center lock wheels are another visual highlight of this latest concept study presented in Paris. Their cross-spoke wheel design is similar to that of Porsche racing cars such as the 911 RSR and the GT3 R.

The tinted day-time running lights were also inspired by racing. Matching the study's paintwork, they are kept in red. The two "Talbot"-shaped exterior mirrors as well as the fuel tank cap – centrally positioned on the bonnet – shine in black-chrome and platinum. In contrast to the previously shown "Heritage" version, the interior is using partly perforated black leather upgraded with red highlights.

All body components as well as the entire technology of both the 911 Speedster Concept cars are identical. This includes the shortened window frames with their lowered cowl top panels and the smaller side windows as well as the carbon-fibre rear bonnet with the double-bubble cover behind the seats. Both cars come with a lightweight Tonneau cover, fitted by Tenax buttons, instead of a convertible soft top.

The concept cars' body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The fenders, as well as the front and rear bonnet are made from lightweight carbon fibre composite while the chassis was taken from the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the GT development department provided the exhaust system with its titanium tailpipes and the drivetrain including the manually operated six-speed gearbox.

The same goes for the centrepiece of the limited special edition: The Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing more than 500 hp and capable of engine speeds up to 9,000 rpm.

Carmakers reiterate their fears over No deal Brexit

At the Paris Motor Show, carmakers have yet again warned that a No deal Brexit could lead to massive production cuts in the UK. Some also said that they would be forced to move production out of the country.

Carmakers reiterate their fears over No deal Brexit

At the Paris Motor Show, carmakers have yet again warned that a No deal Brexit could lead to massive production cuts in the UK. Some also said that they would be forced to move production out of the country.

British manufacturers have been worried over a host of issues such as tariffs, port hold-ups among others in case the deal goes sour. Given there is less than six months left for the due date of Brexit, uncertainty among businesses seems to be growing with every passing day.

The auto industry has been the backbone of UK's manufacturing sector since the past few years. A hard Brexit could mean that auto manufacturers could face several problems such as bottlenecks in supply chain, difficulty in movement of finished vehicles to and from continental Europe.

Harald Krueger, CEO of the BMW Group, said that there is a 50:50 chance of having a No deal Brexit which could lead to the shift of manufacturing of MINI vehicles from UK'S oxford plant to Netherlands.

"I told Theresa May (UK Prime Minister) and the European Union that if there is a hard Brexit, both sides are losers. We will no longer fulfil trade agreements and then we are forced to build the car in the Netherlands," Krueger told journalists at the Paris Motor Show.

Groupe PSA Chief, Carlos Tavares told journalists at the show, "My plan is to tell Mrs May and Mr Barnier (the EU's chief Brexit negotiator) that a no-deal (Brexit) is not acceptable."

Earlier, British automaker, Jaguar Land Rover had said that it has been contemplating moving the production of new models as well as EVs outside UK in case of an unfavourable Brexit.

Daimler's Dieter Zetsche also seemed to agree that the current situation involving Brexit negotiations were a cause of worry.

Carlos Ghosn, head of Renault-Nissan alliance believes, "We are in a situation where everybody is frozen." He also appealed for more clarity regarding the ongoing situation.

7th Automotive Global Awards

The Savoy, London - 1st November 2018

Polestar begins production of prototypes of the Polestar 1

Momentum in the development of the Polestar 1 has increased with the production of the first series of road-going verification prototype (VP) cars in Sweden. Produced for a number of purposes including crash tests, weather testing and on-road assessment, the VP cars form the very first fleet of Polestar 1 cars on the road.

Polestar begins production of prototypes of the Polestar 1

Momentum in the development of the Polestar 1 has increased with the production of the first series of road-going verification prototype (VP) cars in Sweden. Produced for a number of purposes including crash tests, weather testing and on-road assessment, the VP cars form the very first fleet of Polestar 1 cars on the road.

Construction of the cars, which takes place in a specialised prototype production facility in Gothenburg, is largely done by hand. It acts as the first testing phase for production of Polestar 1 customer cars which will be built at the new Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China.

The carbon fibre-body of the Polestar 1 required the development of new specialised production equipment and construction techniques that will be transferred to the factory and used to build the production cars.

"The assembly of the VP cars means that the Polestar 1 has taken its next step towards production," says Thomas Ingenlath, Chief Executive Officer of Polestar. "This first batch of 34 cars will enable our engineers to tune the finer details of the car, ensuring that the Polestar 1 is perfect when we start to produce customer cars in the middle of next year."

Production of the Polestar 1 marks the first time that a brand in the Volvo Car Group has explored carbon fibre construction. The VP cars have allowed engineers to design, test and execute complicated construction processes with positive results.

UK vehicles production falls in September due to regulatory changes

The UK new car market fell by 20.5% in September, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 338,834 vehicles were registered in the month, down around 87,000 on the previous year as new testing requirements continue to affect supply and distort the market.

UK vehicles production falls in September due to regulatory changes

The UK new car market fell by 20.5% in September, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 338,834 vehicles were registered in the month, down around 87,000 on the previous year as new testing requirements continue to affect supply and distort the market.

The impact was felt across the board, with registrations by private consumers, fleets and businesses all declining, by 20.1%, 22.4% and 6.3% respectively. Registrations of petrol and diesel cars also fell, while hybrids and plug-in electrics fared better, up a modest 3.9%.

Declines were seen across almost every vehicle segment, with MPVs and Specialist Sports cars showing the biggest falls, down 54.8 and 50.9%. Luxury saloons were the only segment to register growth, up 3.5%, while Dual Purpose cars, which have enjoyed strong growth over the year to date, held steadier than most, falling just 3.5% in the month.

September's large decline follows an unusually high August and a turbulent first eight months of the year as the market responded to a raft of upheavals, from confusion over diesel policy to VED changes and, latterly, transition to the new WLTP emissions standards. Year-to-date performance is currently 7.5% behind 2017, reflecting these factors and a drop in business and consumer confidence. Over the coming months, however, some rebalancing is expected as an increasing range of new models are certified for sale and backlogs ease.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, "With the industry given barely a year to reapprove the entire European model line-up, it's no surprise that we've seen bottlenecks and a squeeze on supply. These are exceptional circumstances with similar declines seen in other major European markets. The good news is that, as backlogs ease, consumers and businesses can look forward to a raft of exciting high-tech cars and a market keen to recover lost momentum."

Mike Hawes continued, "Thanks to more realistic performance data, car buyers will be better informed to choose the cars that best suit their driving needs in full confidence that they are the cleanest and most fuel-efficient ever produced."

Mazda reveals its long-term EV strategy

Mazda will launch its first Electric Vehicles (EV) in 2020 as part of its ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030’ long-term technology development programme.

Mazda reveals its long-term EV strategy

Mazda will launch its first Electric Vehicles (EV) in 2020 as part of its ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030’ long-term technology development programme.

Mazda will initially launch two battery EVs. One powered solely by battery, the other pairing a battery with Mazda's small, lightweight and exceptionally quiet rotary engine as a range-extender.

The range-extender will recharge the battery when necessary to increase the vehicle's driving range, eliminating the range anxiety which continues to trouble a high percentage of battery EV users.

The rotary engine's small size and high power output make multiple electrification technology solutions possible via a shared packaging layout. Taking advantage of the rotary engine's compatibility with gaseous fuels, the rotary-powered range extender is designed to also burn liquefied petroleum gas and provide a source of electricity in emergencies.

Expecting that internal combustion engines combined with some form of electrification will account for 95% of the vehicles it produces in 2030 (with battery electric vehicles accounting for the remaining 5%), Mazda will continue to focus on maximising the efficiency of the internal combustion engine, as exemplified by its new, new-generation Skyactiv-X petrol engine, which combusts through compression ignition.

Mazda is committed to reducing its corporate average 'Well-to-Wheel' CO2 emissions to 50% of 2010 levels by 2030, and to 90% by 2050. But the company is also committed to the principal of the right solution at the right time and -since energy availability and automotive power source fitness vary from region to region- in the right place.

Clearly, the electric power generation system in any given region determines how much an EV can contribute to 'Well-to-Wheel' reductions in CO2 emissions. And with CO2-emitting thermal power generation still globally predominant, a goal to reduce those emissions is likely to diversify fuel options in the immediate future.

In addition to alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and even hydrogen, the automotive industry is also researching the viability of recyclable liquid fuels such as biofuels from microalgae growth.

Mazda considers the development of the latter critical to achieving the carbon neutrality of cars powered by the internal combustion engine, and is already involved in joint research projects and studies with the Tokyo Institute of technology and Hiroshima University as part of an ongoing, industry-academia-government collaboration.

Mazda hopes to further the contributions of its 'Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030' vision to society by sending EVs with the range-extender to areas affected by natural disasters, providing LPG-generated electricity for those in need.

Ever committed to the pursuit of driving pleasure, Mazda will also be exploiting the advantages of electric drive in combination with the company's proprietary technologies to produce EVs.

GAC Motor makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show

GAC Motor, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturer, has unveiled the all-new GS5 SUV at the Paris Motor Show, making its first foray into the European market by showcasing its latest premium vehicle. The brand’s debut in Europe also included the local premiere of the concept car Enverge.

GAC Motor makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show

GAC Motor, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturer, has unveiled the all-new GS5 SUV at the Paris Motor Show, making its first foray into the European market by showcasing its latest premium vehicle. The brand’s debut in Europe also included the local premiere of the concept car Enverge.

GAC Motor has become a major player in China's domestic market with a compound growth rate of 75% with an aspiration to build a world-class brand and a global company.

Following ten years of development, GAC Motor has formed a new pattern of global R&D centres, global sourcing partnership and global sales network. GAC Motor's GS8 has topped the quality ranking in the large SUV market segment and became a leading example of quality Chinese automobile brand manufacturing.

At present, GAC Motor has established a global sales and service network in 15 countries, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Europe, Africa and America and has been awarded "Best Chinese Car Brand" in multiple overseas markets.

"This is GAC Motor's first trip to the Paris Motor Show, and we hope to communicate and learn from fellow world-leading automobile brands on this incredible platform and introduce the GAC Motor brand to more people," said Yu Jun, President of GAC Motor.

Developed by GAC Motor's R&D centers in Guangzhou, Shanghai and the United States, the new GS5 SUV is designed for young working-class drivers and families.

In the lighting design, the model has full-LED lenticular headlights with three diamond cuts on the single side and mighty integrated tail lights made of 190 LED particles, which create a bright, three-dimensional lighting experience. The sides of the vehicle, are adorned with a dynamic line stretching from the head to the tail of the car, integrating the changes of light and shadow on the curved surface to elongate the body.

In addition to the stylish appearance, the new GS5's powertrain is equipped with GAC Motor's 3rd generation 1.5T GDI engine and the latest Aisin 6-speed hydraulic automatic transmission. It also carries the latest designed and upgraded A+ chassis, achieving rapid steering reaction and sports-car-level braking power.

The star SUV GS4, the high-end SUV GS8, the first minivan GM8, and sedan GA4 also made appearance during the Paris Motor show.

"GAC Motor has a bright blueprint and will strive for it. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing GAC Motor vehicles on the streets in Europe. In facing the stricter challenges and tests in the mature market, GAC Motor is confident that our leading qualities, technology and R&D ability, will lead to further breakthroughs, creating an enjoyable life of mobility for global consumers," said Yu.

FCA CEO announces new management team

Mike Manley, the newly elected British-born CEO of the FCA Group has lifted the curtains on his management team. The team, which has been strategically chosen to help the FCA group stay on course with long-time chief Sergio Marchionne’s strategy in choppy waters, was unveiled in a letter that Manley wrote to FCA employees across the world earlier on Monday.

FCA CEO announces new management team

Mike Manley, the newly elected British-born CEO of the FCA Group has lifted the curtains on his management team. The team, which has been strategically chosen to help the FCA group stay on course with long-time chief Sergio Marchionne’s strategy in choppy waters, was unveiled in a letter that Manley wrote to FCA employees across the world earlier on Monday.

"I'm not saying we'll not have challenges to overcome. The next five years will continue to be extremely challenging for our industry, with tougher regulations, intense competition and probably slower industry growth around the world. Nevertheless, with a laser focus on execution and a continued flexibility that allows us to adjust as circumstances change – something that has become one of our most unique characteristics and strengths – we have a clear line of sight to achieving our five-year ambitions," said Manley.

"One key element in the plan is to ensure that our leadership team is best aligned to our objectives going forward. We have an outstanding team here at FCA with extensive experience and an exceptional record of success and I'm pleased today to announce the following evolution in our leadership roles as we begin to implement our new plan"

The Appointments:

Pietro Gorlier is named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the EMEA region. Gorlier has a proven track record of commercial and industrial expertise with FCA. He is an experienced operator globally, and as a second generation employee whose father worked for Fiat in Italy, Gorlier brings a deep respect and knowledge of FCA's operations in Europe. Gorlier will retain the role as head of Mopar Globally. Steve Beahm will assume responsibilities for Mopar in the North America region, while continuing in his role as Head of the Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat Brands in North America.

Ermanno Ferrari is named CEO of Magneti Marelli. Ferrari most recently served as the Head of Magneti Marelli's lighting division, its largest business unit, and previously worked throughout Marelli's various business lines, including senior level roles in the Shock Absorber and Suspension businesses. In his new role, Ferrari will join the Group Executive Council (GEC).

Harald Wester is named Chief Operating Officer of Maserati. Wester will maintain his role as Chief Technology Officer. He has a deep understanding of the premium brand market place, and this appointment will also enable him to apply the most advanced of FCA's technologies to its premium brand, Maserati.

Tim Kuniskis is named Head of Jeep Brand North America. Kuniskis will maintain his responsibilities as Global Head of Alfa Romeo and will apply his proven skills in product and marketing to two of the industry's most cherished brands, both of which have significant growth ambitions in the five-year plan.

Reid Bigland is named Head of Ram brand. Bigland previously led the Ram brand in 2013 – 2014 which, under his leadership, experienced sales growth of nearly 50%. With the new Ram Light Duty Truck nearing full production and the new Ram Heavy Duty planned to come to market in mid-2019, Bigland has the right products and the skills to take Ram to the next level. Bigland will maintain his roles leading FCA's Canadian operations and US sales.

Scott Garberding is named Global Chief Manufacturing Officer. Scott has nearly 30 years of industrial experience at FCA, including leading North American manufacturing, FCA's global Purchasing organisation when he was based in Italy, and most recently global quality. Scott has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of FCA world-wide manufacturing system and of the people that work in its plants.

Comau and Teksid will report directly to Garberding, in a bid to ensure that the group is optimising and maximising our application of those products and services in its manufacturing operations. Garberding would succeed Stefan Ketter, who plans to step down from his role at FCA.

Richard Schwarzwald is named Global Head of Quality. Schwarzwald succeeds Scott Garberding in the role and brings over 25 years of automotive quality and supplier quality experience. Schwarzwald has most recently led FCA's Quality organisation in Latin America, and previously held senior leadership positions at several automotive OEMs and suppliers. He and his team in Latin America are responsible for making significant quality improvements, particularly for Jeep, including achieving 1st Quartile for Jeep Renegade in a most recent independent rating survey. In his new role, Schwarzwald will join the Group Executive Council (GEC). In related changes, Mark Champine assumes responsibility for Quality in North America, and Geraldo Barra assumes responsibility for Quality in Latin America.

Canada reaches agreement on trade deal with US and Mexico

In a rather surprising turn of events, US and Canadian officials have jointly announced that Canada ha Canada has agreed to be a part of a new trade deal with Mexico and the United Status, thus replacing the long-standing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Canada reaches agreement on trade deal with US and Mexico

In a rather surprising turn of events, US and Canadian officials have jointly announced that Canada ha Canada has agreed to be a part of a new trade deal with Mexico and the United Status, thus replacing the long-standing North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The moves comes after the US imposed a deadline of Sunday midnight on Canada to come to agreement with the proposed deal. This last-minute deal gives the US much greater access to Canada's dairy market, an issue that was considered of vital importance and opens up the doors for US dairy manufacturers.

Speaking in a joint statement, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer along with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said: "Today, Canada and the United States reached an agreement, alongside Mexico, on a new, modernized trade agreement for the 21st century: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)."

"USMCA will give our workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses a high-standard trade agreement that will result in freer markets, fairer trade and robust economic growth in our region.

"It will strengthen the middle class and create good, well-paying jobs and new opportunities for the nearly half-billion people who call North America home."

"We look forward to further deepening our close economic ties when this new agreement enters into force."

The officials of both the countries jointly credited Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo "for his close collaboration over the past 13 months."

The USMCA coming to life can be a considered by some as a big win for US President Donald Trump's administration. Trump, who has been a constant critic of the NAFTA, tweeted early on Monday morning: "We reached a wonderful new Trade Deal with Canada, to be added into the deal already reached with Mexico. The new name will be The United States Mexico Canada Agreement, or USMCA. It is a great deal for all three countries, solves the many deficiencies and mistakes in NAFTA, greatly opens markets to our Farmers and Manufacturers, reduce(s) Trade Barriers to the U.S. and will bring all three Great Nations closer together in competition with the rest of the world. The USMCA is a historic transaction!"

The text of the USMCA has been submitted to Congress late Sunday and is expected to be signed by all the countries by the end of next month. It will run for 16 years but would need to be reviewed after six and could then be extended for another 16.